Liverpool 'physically and mentally stronger in late season'

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Liverpool's form over the second half of campaigns is because his team are physically and mentally stronger at that time.

The Reds have moved within touching distance of a place in the top four after winning five of their last six games.

However, Rodgers believes that the Reds' late-season rallies over the last few years are down to the all-round conditioning of the squad.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "If you look at year one, when I came in it was all about putting in place a system and helping individuals to become better. It was a new way of working and it was bound to take some time. It all came together in the second part of the season.

"At the end of my first year here there wasn't a lot of change. A few additions came in to help the group but we already had the key principles in place.

"We all saw the benefits of that last season as with that improvement and development we nearly won the title. Last summer there were major changes again, so there another period of adjustment."

Liverpool narrowly lost out on the Premier League title last season after a winning run of 11 consecutive games, which was ended by a home defeat against Chelsea.